Certain types of crimes are more likely to be reported to the police than others (ABS 2010a). The reasons for not reporting crimes vary, depending on the crime, and could include the following: the victim did not perceive the crime to be serious enough to warrant reporting; the victim did not think there was anything the police could do; or the victim felt they could resolve the matter themselves. In order to place an insurance claim for property damage or loss, most insurance companies require a police report and this may be a reason for causing some victims to report particular types of crimes, especially household crimes.

In 2008-09, the crimes most likely to be reported to police were household crimes such as motor vehicle theft (87% of victims reported the most recent incident to the police) and break-ins (76%). Generally personal crimes were the least likely to be reported to the police. For example, 30% of face-to-face threatened assault incidents were reported to the police.